Woodstock—Main Street Patriots, an amalgam of Tea Party supporters, anti-immigrant activists, the new alt-right, and supporters of Donald Trump are planning a so-called Spirit of American Rallies all across the country. The only Illinois rally is scheduled this Saturday, March 4, on the Square in Woodstock at Noon. In response a Hate Has No Home in Woodstock counter rally has been organized with the participation of Indivisible Illinois Congressional District, McHenry County Progressives, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Justice Team and others.

Crystal Squires was a principle organizer of the spontaneous response pulled hastily together over the past five days with support of concerned citizens and groups across McHenry County. “We are coming together as concerned citizens in order to demonstrate that the Tea Party and the ideals that they stand for do not represent us and our community as a whole,” she said, “Hate has no home in Woodstock and we are gathering to make sure that message is heard loud and clear.”

Organizers plan a peaceful, non-confrontational witness event. They will gather beginning at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 4 in front of the Old Court House at 101 N. Johnson Street on the north side of the Square and then march on the outer perimeter sidewalks around the Square in a counter clockwise direction during the rally. Organizers believe that those who reject hate and division will far outnumber those who gather in the park.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs with positive messages of support for targeted communities and expressions of support for democratic values and American traditions of valuing diversity. No messages attacking the President or those attending the rally are encouraged and participants will not confront or engage people attending the other event.

Hate Has No Home Here is a national response to episodes of violence, threats, and intimidation. Its blue placards and signs with a heart emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes have become popular statements in communities around the country.